The Brock Farmers Market starts next week with a decidedly more backyard feel, including Muskoka chairs and games of ladder ball.

There’s no need to brown bag it on May 21.

The Brock Farmers Market returns for the summer next week with the promise of bringing backyard fun to your lunch hour.

The weekly market, which is starting earlier this year, will boast a barbecue, live music, games – warm up that throwing arm for ladder ball – and a beer garden that stars local craft brews. Market-goers will notice a revamped roster of vendors selling wine by the bottle, local produce, meats and cheeses, baked goods and crafts.

“When you mix live music, fresh strawberries, a barbecued sausage, and a game of ladder ball, there is zero per cent chance of a bad time,” promises William Parent, Brock’s hospitality co-ordinator.

Market day also moves to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., this summer. Parent says abandoning the traditional – and sleepy – Friday time slot in favour of a day that sees more people on campus bodes well for the market’s success.

“When we have more people attend the market, we are able to attract more vendors and have more variety.”

He hopes that in addition to supporting the vendors, market-goers will also try their hand at some friendly competition in ladder ball, washer toss, corn hole or bocce ball. There will be inter-departmental tournaments and sign-up sheets for the opportunity to take on your rivals – er, colleagues – in the neighbouring office.

The market makeover was done to make summer at Brock, well, more summery, Parent explains.

“We sometimes find ourselves eating lunch at our desk, or sitting inside all day when it’s sunny out. Some traditional and enjoyed elements of the farmers market will still be in place, but we hope a new fun feel will be well received and enjoyed by all.”